Functional group driven adsorption of neutral red by boron nitride nanoparticles: experimental and theoretical studies

Abstract

The adsorption mechanism of neutral red (NR) by boron nitride (BN) nanoparticle has been investigated. BN has negative surface (−31 eV) and its BET area is 11.7 m2 g−1. FTIR characterization supports that oxygen-containing functional groups exist on its surface. The adsorption quantity of BN for NR is 26.2 mg g−1. The kinetic adsorptions of NR by BN follows pseudo-second-order model, while the isotherm adsorptions of NR by BN abides by Langmuir model. Hydrogen bonding between the surface groups of BN and NR is most likely the driving force for the adsorption of NR by BN. The adsorption performance of BN for NR can be regenerated by washing with water.